Denver Broncos over San Francisco 49ers

Over the past two months, it's been nearly impossible to find a flaw in the Broncos. And it's almost as difficult to find a better story than Peyton Manning's unreal comeback. Manning will punctuate his return with his second Super Bowl victory by beating the tough and physical 49ers, who will outlast the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship Game -- barely.

Gregg Rosenthal NFL.com

Green Bay Packers over New England Patriots

This was my preseason prediction. Anyone who sways from their original prediction is of suspect character and should get no credit for being right. Given the choice to take one quarterback for a playoff run, I'd roll with Aaron Rodgers. Tom Brady is next on that list. Simple.

Heath Evans NFL Network

Seattle Seahawks over New England Patriots

New England beats the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game because Denver won't get enough "middle push" to disrupt Tom Brady and get him rattled in the pocket. Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez will be the difference makers in that game. Seattle is, hands down, the most physically dominant team in the NFC. The Seahawks run the ball and stop the run; they can disrupt any offensive rhythm you try to get into, with their aggressive style of defense.

Aditi Kinkhabwala NFL Network

Denver Broncos over Atlanta Falcons

Yes, the two No. 1 seeds are boring. But Matt Ryan is playing with ice in his blood, and the Falcons' defense plays on the edge. Peyton Manning winning in New Orleans -- where he grew up -- is the storybook ending.

Denver Broncos over Green Bay Packers

As things sit at this moment -- and I've been known to change my mind once I write my picks column -- I like Denver over Green Bay. The Broncos are running the football effectively, which, in addition to making the offense more diversified (so it's not all on Peyton Manning's shoulders), allows them to close. Clock ball is still not out of style, even in today's NFL. Meanwhile, my sense is that Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers will get hot in the postseason. The Packers' secondary has been a problem, but with Charles Woodson back, that unit's strength will become its flexibility ... even if tackling is still a bit of an issue.

Jeff Darlington NFL Network

New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers

While I admit that the Packers have shown far too much vulnerability to make me feel entirely comfortable with this pick, I'd also be far too annoyed if I diverted from my midseason prediction, only to see Green Bay make a run. Hey, the Packers still have an ultra-elite quarterback. And they have the experience. If that pesky offensive line can get going, Green Bay will have a real shot to get beaten by the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Dave Dameshek NFL.com

Green Bay Packers over New England Patriots

Green Bay's failure to clinch a bye in the Week 17 game against the Minnesota Vikings was disconcerting, but I'm sticking with my preseason pick of Team Rodgers over Team Brady for two reasons: 1) Hubris; and 2) The NFL is a quarterback league ... so it should stand to reason that the league's best QB will beat the league's second-best QB in the big game.

Green Bay Packers over New England Patriots

Sticking with my preseason pick, calling for the Packers -- battle-tested by the NFC bracket and looking a lot like the kingpins they were in 2010 after surviving a bevy of injuries -- to win a shootout at the Superdome.

Kimberly Jones NFL Network

Denver Broncos over Washington Redskins

About a month ago, we were sure that the matchup would be Peyton vs. Eli in New Orleans, and Twitter would implode. Instead, it'll be Peyton leading the Broncos over the Redskins as Robert Griffin III's dream season falls just short.

Charley Casserly NFL Network

Denver Broncos over San Francisco 49ers

In the AFC Championship Game, Denver beats the New England Patriots, wearing them down in the second half and pulling away in a high-scoring matchup. San Francisco, meanwhile, will beat the Atlanta Falcons with a strong running game and big plays through the air.

Jason Smith NFL.com

New England Patriots over Green Bay Packers

Finally, New England has a running game to complement the passing weapons that will allow the Patriots to control the ball and hold off the Packers, who will survive their flawed NFC competition to make it to New Orleans.

Adam Rank NFL.com

Seattle Seahawks over Denver Broncos

The Seahawks and Broncos are not only the hottest teams in the NFL right now (though the Washington Redskins should be in that conversation, too), but also the most complete. Both teams have strong running attacks and a strong defense to go along with great quarterback play. The Seahawks' run reminds me a lot of the way the New York Giants got hot last season.